Buying a home is a big financial decision for many people. However, many people find it difficult to buy a house even if they have a good job. In a Bankrate survey, potential buyers were asked to identify the biggest obstacles in their home-buying experience. Thirty-six percent of those surveyed indicated that saving for the down payment is one of the main obstacles to buying a home.

If you're thinking of buying a home but also find yourself in the same situation where not only the soaring home prices and rising mortgage rates are your challenges but also not being able to afford a down payment, then there is still hope. There are down payment assistance programs that can help you achieve your homeownership goals.

Downpayment assistance programs for first-time home buyers and repeat buyers

There are down payment assistance programs designed to help not only first-time homebuyers but also repeat buyers buy homes. Here's what you need to know:

Repeat buyers could qualify for over one-third of the assistance programs available. And if you’re a repeat buyer, you may still be able to take advantage of some first-time homebuyer programs, depending on your personal situation.

Did you know many of the first-time homebuyer programs use the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition of a first-time homebuyer? A first-time home buyer is someone who's buying a property to make it a primary residence and has not owned a residential property in the 3 years before this purchase. You can also qualify as a first-time homebuyer if you have lived in a house with your spouse or partner for the previous 3 years but the mortgage is not in your name, or it was on the contract only as a joint owner with your spouse.

Downpayment assistance programs based on your location or profession

Aside from the variety of options for repeat and first-time homebuyers, you may be eligible for other types of down payment assistance programs depending on your location.

Many states have programs that help first-time homebuyers. These programs may include mortgages with lower interest rates and better terms than traditional loans, and may even include down payment assistance.

In South Carolina, there are several programs devoted to helping first-time homebuyers including the SC State Housing’s First Time Home Buyer Mortgage Loan Program, Mortgage Credit Certificate, and the Palmetto Heroes Program.

You may want to check out USDA-eligible properties in Greenville as this program offers 100% financing on your home.

In addition, programs and special benefits are available for people in certain occupations, including teachers, doctors and nurses, and veterans.

Check with your Greenville realtor

Down payment assistance programs have helped many homebuyers achieve their homeownership goals. So if you've found a loan but still need help with the down payment? Check with your Greenville SC realtor to find out if they recommend a specific program or partner. Many local governments and non-profit organizations target local borrowers and often offer grants and advance loans based on borrowers' specific requirements.